Tartan: Trendy or Tacky?

As a real live Scottish person, I must admit to finding the perennial appearance of tartan on international catwalks a bit, well, tricky. Even when fashion falls head over hills for all things Scottish, I find the whole look somewhat tacky and faddy. So it was with a heavy heart that I watched the faux Caledonian armies stomp down the runways of D&G, Henry Holland and Ralph Lauren, triumphant in their over the top plaid. But perhaps I have judged too soon?

Turning to Venetia Scott’s beautiful pictures in this month’s British Vogue, I am reminded of the kind of Scotland that I love; a world of tragic heroines drifting across heather-hued hills, lilac forests and haunted gothic buildings.

Yes, in reality the blankets of rain do eradicate the romance rather swiftly, but the Scottish seduction may last just long enough for me to tie a tartan ribbon in my hair. Perhaps even a plaid dress here and there. I will, however, draw the line at bagpipes though. $880, Philosophy Di Alberta Ferretti Tartan trapeze dress available at net-a-porter